*Please note: times listed in the agenda are Eastern

*Please note: times listed in the agenda are Eastern Daylight Time. NCAI Task Forces are open and do not require paid registration for NCAI’s Annual Convention.


10:30 – 3:30 Technical Support Open 11:00 – 3:30 Registration/Rules & Credentials Open

Holding Space: A Guide for Partners in Tribal Research Training Registration is closed for this session due to space limitations for the interactive portions of the

training. Watch for announcements for future trainings. Given the history of negative experiences with research, Tribal Nations are now increasingly building

research oversight and actively engaging in research. However, challenges and conflicts with academic researchers can still disrupt or slow this work. This training is for anyone interested in learning how to strengthen tribal-academic research partnerships. Participants will play the interactive Tribal Research Future Game and learn how governance, trust, and culture can help strengthen research partnerships that lead to more tribally-driven and culturally relevant research that benefits the community. There are limited spots for this training, reserve your spot to attend this training!

Federal Recognition Task Force Closed to Press The Federal Recognition Task Force works to address the unique interests of non-federally recognized

Tribal Nations, including: the federal acknowledgment process, how non-federally recognized Tribal Nations work with state and local entities, and other issues. The Federal Recognition Task Force invites all interested Tribal Nations and citizens to participate.

NCAI Budget Task Force Recent historic investments have underscored the importance of how federal funds are distributed,

implemented, and reported for the tribal programs in Indian Country. Billions of dollars are flowing through new and existing processes, including millions in federal oversight and investigative authority. Active and ongoing engagement with the executive branch is critical to affect strong budgetary policy, including future funding and negotiation with the federal government. Join the Budget Task Force to discuss emerging issues and to develop policy recommendations for NCAI to consider.

NCAI Tax and Finance Task Force Tax revenue is essential to help build healthy rural and regional economies. Join the NCAI Tax and

Finance Task Force for an open meeting to discuss work in the fields of tax and finance in Indian Country. This Task Force has been charged with: advancing tribal priorities on legislative and administrative tax and finance policy, developing solutions to dual taxation, facilitating tribal engagement with the U.S. Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC), and sharing information regarding tribal-state tax agreements.

NCAI Technology Task Force Tribal access to modern communications networks supports economic development, tribal governance,

healthcare, education, and public safety in Tribal Nations and surrounding communities. The NCAI Technology Task Force will hold an open meeting to discuss ongoing advocacy in the fields of technology and telecommunications in Indian Country. The Task Force is comprised of tribal leadership, tribal telecommunications companies, Information Technology (IT) experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives from tribal organizations. Conference attendees are encouraged to attend this meeting.

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDUCATION SESSION

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. TASK FORCES: MORNING SESSIONS

Pre-Congress Agenda

Thursday, October 7

https://www.ncai.org/policy-research-center/research-data/prc-publications/Holding_Space_Flyer_AC_2021_FINAL.pdf

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekuHm_jRY3nIn9zO97mSU-ZkPvW_REKt924hO_hPL-6iOPAA/viewform


NCAI Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Task Force The general welfare of American Indian and Alaska Native families is fundamental to sustaining self-

sufficiency, investing in a sustainable economy, and preparing a ready and willing workforce. The NCAI Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Task Force will discuss current administrative and legislative initiatives impacting Tribal TANF nationally. This includes working toward continued reauthorization of Tribal TANF and finding solutions to overcoming barriers to the delivery of programs and discovering best practices for strengthening Tribal TANF programs.

Climate Action Task Force The working mission of the Climate Action Task Force is to “document, inform, and support the climate

action efforts of Tribal Nations and native organizations, and identify and advocate for policies and funding designed to empower their ability to engage in effective, sustainable climate action.” This task force meeting will provide an overview of administrative and congressional updates to improve and expand federal support for tribal climate actions and will be led by the Task Force’s three co-chairs.

NCAI Addiction Task Force Join the NCAI Addiction Task Force to discuss administrative and legislative priorities to increase access

and improve the function of behavioral health and addiction programs at the tribal level. The Addiction Task Force continues to support efforts to advance education, treatment, preventative services, and public safety in tribal communities.

NCAI-ITA Joint Transportation Task Force Join the NCAI-ITA Joint Transportation Task Force for a conversation focused on building a unified

advocacy approach to tribal transportation development and legislative reauthorization to promote safety and prosperity in tribal communities and to ensure the United States upholds its government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations.

NCAI Native Languages Task Force Resolution AK-21-026 declared a state of emergency for native languages at NCAI’s 2021 Mid Year

Conference. Join the Native Languages Task Force for an open session to discuss strategies to advocate for an Executive Order on native language preservation from the Biden Administration, and tribal leader perspectives on developments in native languages at the tribal, state, and federal policy levels.

NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women Closed to Press The NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women serves as a unified tribal voice opposed to violent

crimes perpetrated against American Indian and Alaska Native women. During this meeting, task force members will highlight tribal programs that prevent and address violence against women in Indian Country, examine national and international violence against women policy work, and coordinate efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act with strong tribal provisions in the 117th Congress.

Tribal Border Caucus Closed to Press Tribal citizen crossings of the United States-Canada and United States-Mexico borders for traditional,

cultural, or religious purposes have been a paramount concern for Tribal Nations split by the invisible lines that divided their homelands and relatives. The Tribal Border Caucus invites all northern, southern, and Alaska border Tribal Nations to provide updates and discuss ongoing issues such as navigating the opening of the borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel visas, treaty rights, and searches of tribal regalia or cultural items.

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. TASK FORCES: AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Pre-Congress Agenda


12:00 – 5:00 Registration/Rules & Credentials Open

Climate Change – What You Need to Know and What Indian Country Is Doing

The cultures and lifeways of Tribal Nations and their citizens are place-based and closely tied to subsistence practices. Because of dramatic shifts in weather and climate, resources are disappearing faster than we can restore them, and Tribal Nations are being left disproportionately vulnerable to climate change. At the tribal, national, and international levels, NCAI is leading the response to dramatic climate shifts. This session will provide an insight into climate change actions within tribal and international communities. Speakers:

• Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council • Frankie Myers, Vice Chairman, Yurok Tribe

Defining Treasury’s Role in Tribal Governments’ Economic Recovery

Treasury is managing over $30 billion in pandemic program tribal set asides. This historic funding is to address relief needs and long-term recovery, including economic recovery for Indian Country. The new Office of Recovery Programs is leading this effort and the deployment of funds to Tribal Nations is a critical priority. Join this session to hear directly from Treasury’s recovery leadership and tribal leaders on current efforts and next steps for growing the Treasury-Tribal Nations partnership on tribal economic recovery, including a tribal leader report out on the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. Moderator: Marilynn Malerba, Lifetime Chief, Mohegan Tribe Speakers:

• Terra Branson-Thomas, Secretary of the Nation and Commerce, Muscogee Nation • Marilynn Malerba, Lifetime Chief, Mohegan Tribe • Jacob Leibenluft, Chief Recovery Officer, U.S. Department of the Treasury

2020 Census Data and Redistricting – What's New? What's Next? Throughout Indian Country, Tribal Nations will use the 2020 Census results in funding formulas, policy

development, local tribal governance, American Indian and Alaska Native research, and public health surveillance. In addition to providing an update on the latest results from the 2020 Census data release of the P.L. 94-171 Redistricting File, during this session, speakers will review the latest on state redistricting efforts and define fair representation for tribal communities in the redistricting process.

Moderator: Aaron Payment, 1st Vice President, National Congress of American Indians and Chairperson,

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Pre-Congress Agenda


Friday, October 8


Speakers:

• Yvette Roubideaux, MD MPH, Director, NCAI Policy Research Center • Gwynne Evans-Lomayesva, MPP, Researcher, NCAI Policy Research Center • Saundra Mitrovich, Civic Engagement Team, NCAI • Ahtza Dawn Chavez, Executive Director, NAVA Education Project • Samantha Kelty, Native American Rights Fund

Sovereign Technology: Achieving Digital Justice in Tribal Communities Sovereignty and self-determination are critical aspects of broadband and telecommunication

investments in tribal communities. As the United States makes historic investments to uphold its trust responsibility to Tribal Nations, telecommunications funding must be tailored to the unique needs of each Tribal Nation to promote flexibility and self-determination. Join NCAI for an in-depth discussion on current broadband funding opportunities available to Tribal Nations and how to utilize federal funding to achieve digital equity and build robust broadband telecommunications networks and infrastructure on tribal lands.

Moderator: Dr. Traci Morris (Chickasaw Nation), Director, American Indian Policy Institute, Arizona State

University Panelists:

• Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community • Adam Geisler (Luiseño), National Tribal Government Liaison, NTIA • Heidi Todacheene (Navajo), Senior Advisor, DOI • Matthew Duchesne, Chief, Office of Native Affairs and Policy, FCC • Tedd Buelow, National Tribal Coordinator, USDA Rural Development

Where Does the Money Go? Impacts of the 2020 Census and Federal Funding for Tribal Nations

Significant growth of the American Indian and Alaska Native population in the 2020 Census has implications for policy and federal funding. Tribal Nations understand that having accurate data for funding formulas is critical to ensuring resources are allocated appropriately. However, due to COVID-19 and privacy measures, some Tribal Nations were impacted during the 2020 Census enumeration. In this session, speakers will discuss the potential impacts of the 2020 Census results on federal funding formulas from the perspectives of the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a Tribal Nation.

Moderator: Joe Garcia, Head Councilman, Ohkay Owingeh Speakers:

• Nicholas A. Jones, Director and Senior Advisor of Race and Ethnic Research and Outreach, Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau

• Todd M. Richardson, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Policy Development and Research, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Gary LaPointe, Chief Executive Officer, Sicangu Wicoti Awayankapi Corporation


Pre-Congress Agenda

*Please note: times listed in the agenda are Eastern Daylight Time.

You Can't Drink Paper Water: Protecting Tribal Water Rights and the Future of Settlement

Negotiations Water holds a sacred importance to many Tribal Nations and is vital to tribal subsistence, cultural

practices, and more. Water rights secured and upheld through arduous settlement processes are often referred to as “paper water rights.” Similar to other infrastructure needs, water delivery systems have been severely underdeveloped and underfunded throughout Indian Country. After years of negotiations and environmental turmoil, turning the “paper water” secured in tribal water rights settlements into “wet water” remains a challenge for many. Join NCAI for a conversation on the current state of tribal water rights policy and panel discussion with tribal leaders and water policy professionals.

Moderator: David Gover, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund

Panelists:

• Shelly Fyant, Chairwoman, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes • Russell "Buster" Attebery, Chairman, Karuk Tribe • Tracy Goodluck, Deputy Director, DOI Secretary's Indian Water Rights Office • Devin Rhinerson, Vice President, Pace LLP on Behalf of the Colorado River Indian Tribes

NCAI Committee and Subcommittee Chairs Meeting with Resolutions Committee

The NCAI Resolutions Committee will provide an overview of the NCAI committee structure, the 78th Annual Convention agenda, and resolutions process.

11:00 – 4:00 Registration/Rules & Credentials Open

12:30 – 1:30 NCAI Fund Board Meeting

2:00 – 5:00 NCAI Executive Committee Board Meeting

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CHAIRS MEETING WITH RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Sunday, October 10

Pre-Congress Agenda


Registration/Rules & Credentials Open

Technical Support Open

Resolutions Open

11:30 Call to Order and Welcome

Fawn Sharp, President, National Congress of American Indians Presentation of the Colors

Honor Guard American Indian Veterans Association of Southern California

Invocation

Jack Potter Jr., Chairman, Redding Rancheria Tribe

Welcome from Local Planning Committee Pacific Regional Vice President Alternate, Shannon Romero, Big Pine Paiute Tribe of the Owens Valley

Welcome from Local Official Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California

11:45 Cultural Welcome from Local Planning Committee 12:05 President’s Report Fawn Sharp, President, National Congress of American Indians 12:20 Chief Executive Officer’s Report and Overview for the Week Dante Desiderio, Chief Executive Officer, NCAI 12:30 Rules of the Convention

Dr. Malia Villegas, Volunteer, NCAI Rules and Credentials 12:33 Election Process Patrick Anderson, Chair, Election Committee 12:43 Resolutions Process Report

Leslie Wheelock, Co-Chair, NCAI Resolutions Committee W. Ron Allen, Co-Chair, NCAI Resolutions Committee

12:45 Special Presentation Keith B. Anderson, Chairman, Shakopee Mdewakanton Indian Sioux Community

Break

Congress Agenda

Monday, October 11

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SUPPORT OFFICES OPEN


1:00 White House Administration Update Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

1:15 Strengthening Our Voices: An Update on Native American Voting Rights

The White House Steering Committee on Native American Voting Rights will provide a summary overview of the tribal consultations with American Indian and Alaska Native leaders around the country regarding challenges, successes, and next steps in strengthening voting rights across Indian Country.

Justin Levitt, Senior Policy Advisor for Democracy and Voting Rights, White House Domestic Policy Council

Chairwoman Shelly Fyant, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

1:25 Mobilizing to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act Today Juana Majel Dixon, Recording Secretary, NCAI and Co-Chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women

Shannon Holsey, Treasurer. NCAI and Co-Chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women 1:40 Boarding School: Our Truth, Our Reconciliation

Economic, Finance & Community Development Litigation & Governance Human Resources Veterans Land & Natural Resources

Alaska Region Pacific Region Eastern Oklahoma Region Rocky Mountain Region Great Plains Region Southeast Region Midwest Region Southern Plains Region Northeast Region Southwest Region Northwest Region Western Region

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. FULL COMMITTEE MEETINGS Closed to Press

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. REGIONAL CAUCUS MEETINGS Closed to Press

Congress Agenda


Native Prayer Sunrise We encourage everyone to recognize prayer sunrise in your own way.


Registration/Rules & Credentials Open Resolutions Open


Aaron Payment, 1st Vice President, National Congress of American Indians

Invocation Mikela Jones, Little River Band of Pomo Indians 11:35 White House Administration Update Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris

11:50 U.S. Department of Commerce Update

Secretary Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Department of Commerce

12:05 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Update Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

12:20 U.S. Department of Transportation Update Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Department of Transportation Mohsin Syed, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation

12:30 U.S. Department of the Treasury Update Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo, U.S. Department of the Treasury 12:35 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Update Secretary Xavier Becerra, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 12:50 U.S. Department of the Interior Update Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Department of the Interior Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior

Tuesday, October 12

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY



1:05 Tribal Leader Discussion

We will focus on infrastructure and community development issues in each panelist’s respective tribal community and reflect on the past year as a tribal leader and administrator. We will hear about the various challenges, successes, lessons learned, and any federal or tribal programs that had a big impact related to broadband, housing, transportation, and infrastructure.

*Some subcommittees are meeting in the same Zoom room

Health Transportation & Infrastructure Human, Religious & Cultural Concerns Veterans Technology & Telecommunications *Room 1 *Room 2 Disabilities Jurisdiction & Tribal Government Education Indian Child & Family Welfare Elders Public Safety & Justice

*Room 3 *Room 4 Taxation Energy & Mineral Policy Tribal Gaming Environmental Protection & Land Use Trust Lands, Natural Resources & Agriculture *Room 5 Economic Development, Finance & Employment Housing

Alaska Region Pacific Region Eastern Oklahoma Region Rocky Mountain Region Great Plains Region Southeast Region Midwest Region Southern Plains Region Northeast Region Southwest Region Northwest Region Western Region

Congress Agenda

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS Closed to Press



NCAI Executive Board Elections In order to vote in NCAI Elections, Tribal and Indian Individual Memberships as well as Convention Registration must be current by 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 13 to vote in the NCAI elections.


Registration/Rules & Credentials Open (Closes at 2:00 p.m.) Resolutions Open


Juana Majel-Dixon, Recording Secretary, National Congress of American Indians

Invocation Juana Majel-Dixon, Recording Secretary, National Congress of American Indians

11:35 Climate Change Administration Update John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate 11:45 Tribal Leader Update RoseAnne Archibald, First Nations National Chief, Taykwa Tagamou Nation 11:50 White House Administration Update

Brenda Mallory, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality 12:05 Tribal Leaders Discussion on Climate Change

Leonard Forsman, Chairman, Suquamish Tribe; President, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Chairwoman, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community

12:30 White House Administration Update Katherine Tai, Ambassador, United States Trade Representative 12:35 Rules and Credentials Report Dr. Malia Villegas, Volunteer, NCAI Rules and Credentials

Nominations and Speeches for NCAI Board Administrative Offices Patrick Anderson, Chair, Election Committee

Standing Rules of Order, Section V. A. 3. Nomination speeches shall be no longer than two minutes. Individuals making nominations must state their name, the tribes they represent, and indicate that they are a member in good standing with NCAI. Nominations do not have to be seconded, and no seconding speeches shall be allowed. Campaign speeches by candidates shall be no longer than five minutes.

Wednesday, October 13

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Congress Agenda



NCAI Executive Board Elections Voting will take place between Wednesday, October 13 at 2:30 p.m. EDT – Thursday, October 14 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. Information on how to vote will be emailed to members in good standing with NCAI.

Economic, Finance & Community Development Human Resources Litigation & Governance Land & Natural Resources Veterans

Alaska Region Eastern Oklahoma Region Great Plains Region Midwest Region Northeast Region Northwest Region

Pacific Region Rocky Mountain Region Southeast Region Southern Plains Region Southwest Region Western Region

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. FULL COMMITTEE MEETINGS Closed to Press


Congress Agenda


8:00 – 10:00 Registration Open

10:00 – 12:30 Resolutions Open 11:00 – 1:00 Technical Support Open


Shannon Holsey, Treasurer, National Congress of American Indians

Invocation Joe Garcia, Head Councilman, Ohkay Owingeh 11:35 Memorials Treasurer’s Report

Shannon Holsey, Treasurer, National Congress of American Indians 12:00 Tribal Supreme Court Project Update

Formed in 2001 in response to a series of U.S. Supreme Court cases that negatively affected tribal sovereignty, the Tribal Supreme Court Project promotes coordination and improves strategy on litigation that may affect the rights of all Tribal Nations. John Echohawk, Executive Director, Native American Rights Fund Joel West Williams, Senior Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund Esther Labrado, Staff Attorney, National Congress of American Indians

12:20 Economic Development Administration Update Michele Chang, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Economic Development Administration 12:25 Announcements and Swearing in of NCAI Executive Board Members

Patrick Anderson, Chair, Election Committee Jonathan Arakawa, NCAI Youth Commission Co-Vice President, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Ben Schoonover, NCAI Youth Commission Secretary, Cherokee

1:05 Resolutions Committee Report Full Committee Reports and Consideration of Resolutions Economic, Finance & Community Development Committee Human Resources Committee Litigation & Governance Committee Land & Natural Resources Committee Veterans Committee Retiring of Colors American Indian Veterans Association of Southern California

Closing Invocation

Thursday, October 14

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SUPPORT OFFICE OPEN

Congress Agenda


Regina Cuellar, Chairwoman, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians 2:30 Adjourn 78th Annual Convention

Documents

*Please note: times listed in the agenda are Eastern